The High Court in Luweero has issued summons to 37 bishops, including the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, to defend themselves in a case concerning the cancellation of Rev. Canon Godfrey Kasana Ssemakula as the fourth bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Luweero.
The controversy arose on June 28, 2023, when the House of Bishops, during a session at Kabalega Resort Hotel in Hoima, nullified the election of Rev. Canon Kasana Ssemakula, citing misrepresented integrity issues. The decision followed a petition by a group of Christians, led by Kenneth R. Kikabi, a congregant at St. Mark’s Cathedral, accusing Kasana of violating the Ten Commandments and Canon laws by fathering a child outside of wedlock.
In response to the nullification, seven Christians, led by David Lule Mutyaba Muzzanganda, filed a suit at Luweero High Court, challenging the validity of the decision. In October, Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija dismissed the case, ruling that it lacked merit.
However, a new summons has been issued following a fresh suit filed by four concerned Christians—Kakembo Moses, Ssajjabi Christopher Katende, Bemba Moses, and Ssendowooza Saight. Through M/S Kibirango & Partners Advocates, the plaintiffs accuse the House of Bishops of violating basic human rights and breaching care for the Christians.
The plaintiffs seek declarations that the nullification breached the trust the Christians had in the bishops, disregarded principles of natural justice and the Church’s established norms. They demand a declaration that Rev. Canon Kasana is still the duly elected bishop of Luweero Diocese.
Furthermore, the petitioners insist on a declaration that the nullification breached Rev. Canon Kasana’s right to a fair hearing. They seek an order for the Consecration/enthronement of Rev. Canon Kasana as Luweero Bishop and a permanent injunction restraining the House of Bishops from re-electing another person as the 4th bishop of Luweero Diocese.
The summons, dated December 20, 2023, issued by Tumwebaze Kenneth, the Assistant Registrar, grants the bishops 15 days to file their defense from the date of service. Failure to do so may result in the plaintiffs proceeding with the suit, and judgment may be given in their absence.
